When I was a university student in music, I met weekly with a small group of students to talk about our faith. Often, we gathered in a corner of the cafeteria after lunch. We began and ended our conversations with a moment of prayer.
Bill 9, as proposed by the Government of Quebec, would make such an activity illegal. As I understand it, we would be allowed to discuss our faith, but not to pray together. In other words, we could talk about God, but not to God!
I am surprised—indeed, shocked—that the government is trying to restrict my rights as a citizen in this way. How does praying with a few friends in a corner of a university cafeteria disturb anyone? If I worked in a daycare, why would I be allowed to wear a Montreal Canadiens sweater, but not a shirt that speaks about Jesus? Why is it permitted to gather in a park to practise yoga with friends, but not to say a meditative prayer? And on what principle is it acceptable for a woman to dress as revealingly as she wishes, but not to wear a veil?
If the purpose of the law is to ensure good order in public spaces, it is unnecessary—such laws already exist. Rather, it seems that this bill simply seeks to eliminate any reference to religion from the public sphere. The government is not satisfied with the State being secular; it wants society itself to be secular. The bishops of Quebec expressed this clearly in their statement earlier this month: “We have long held that secularism concerns not relationships within society, but the relationship between the State and religions.” Bill 9 goes far beyond this by interfering in the personal lives of Quebecers and in the free expression of their deeply held convictions.
I invite all readers who share my concerns to contact their Member of the National Assembly to express their point of view. The sample letter that follows may help guide your outreach. Together, we can make a difference.
+ Paul-André Durocher
Letter Template :
City, date, year
Mr. or Ms. [Name of the MNA (Member of the National Assembly).]
SUBJECT: Serious Concerns Regarding Bill 9 on Strengthening Secularism in Quebec
Dear Mr. or Ms. [Member],
I am writing to you as a citizen of your constituency to express my concerns regarding Bill 9 on strengthening secularism.
In its current form, this initiative raises serious concerns about respect for fundamental rights related to religious freedom and the legitimate place of spiritual traditions in our society.
Several proposed provisions appear to infringe upon fundamental rights guaranteed by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, particularly freedom of conscience, religion, and expression. These same rights are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Such protections lie at the heart of our democracy and Quebec’s pluralism.
This bill seems to confuse neutrality with secularism by imposing significant restrictions on religious expression in public spaces. Public space belongs to everyone, believers and non-believers alike. Restricting the visibility or practice of religion by law-abiding citizens seems unjustified to me and contrary to the fundamental rights protected by our charters.
By seeking to marginalize the religious dimension of public life, Bill 9 risks impoverishing social life itself and weakening the sense of living together that we all value.
I respectfully ask that you carefully consider these issues, listen to the many voices from various sectors expressing concern, and assess the consequences this bill may have on fundamental freedoms and social cohesion. A fair, balanced, and truly inclusive secularism is possible. It is achieved through mutual respect, not through the erasure of who we are.
Thank you for your commitment and for the attention you give to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name and address)